You may be new to the deaf
community, whether youre a parent, learning ASL, have a friend or relative
whos deaf, or are simply curious about the deaf community. Youll encounter
a lot of terms that are new (oral?! hearing?!). No matter
how new you are to the community, youll feel a sense of familiarity throughout
Marks articles, because he writes as if hes talking to you. You become
drawn in, and end up feeling as if hes been part of your family forever.

I also hope that you will feel a sense of disbelief at how people could be so
ridiculous or insensitive. Youll read about some individuals involved in
seemingly outrageous behavior in Anything But Silent, and encounter issues
that you may struggle with. But its important that you develop an understanding
and respect of why many culturally Deaf people actually appreciate and love being
deaf.

If youre a deaf person reading this book, then youll know all too
well that the incidents Mark writes about really do take place. The sheer madness
of the experiences Mark describes is what makes the reader laugh, especially with
his take on them. Yet we need to remember that these real-life incidents can make
a major impact upon the child who has very little in terms of deaf role models
or identity.

Anything But Silent is an excellent overview of experiences in a deaf mans
life. Its my hope that you will enjoy this book as much as I did. And reread
it. And share the book with others. Im proud to have been part of Marks
journey from college frat boy to accomplished writer.

Trudy
Suggs
Faribault, MN

Deaf Again

Fourth Edition

Born into Deaf Culture
Thrown into the Hearing World
And Rediscovering the Joys of Deafness

Join Mark Drolsbaugh in
his wild journey-the journey from hearing toddler, hard of hearing child, deaf
adolescent to culturally Deaf adult. The struggle to find one's identity is challenging,
as Drolsbaugh finds, yet there is one interesting twist: both his parents are
also deaf. Even though Deaf culture has always been there for him, right under
his nose, Drolsbaugh goes on a lifelong search to become Deaf Again.